"There are three different ways to deploy cloud
computing resources: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud."

"How cloud computing works"

"Cloud computing services all work a little differently,
depending on the provider. But many provide a friendly, browser-based dashboard
that makes it easier for IT professionals and developers to order resources and
manage their accounts. Some cloud computing services are also designed to work
with REST APIs and a command-line interface (CLI), giving developers multiple
options."

Navigating that new world as a
consumer-orientated site and reporter is challenging. While covering the latest
updates to Office or various new messenger strategies was never thrilling,
artificial intelligence (A.I.), the "cloud," "intelligent
edge," and seemingly abstract concepts like quantum computing feel like
science fiction at times.

The next evolution of computing
is not desktop PCs, laptops, or even smartphones. It's ubiquitous and ambient
computing. It's Internet of Things (IoT), where your thermostat is not only
connected to the internet but has a smart assistant letting it talk and answer
questions.

Whether it's intelligent speakers
that act on your vocal commands, smart ovens that ensure you don't burn a
casserole, or doorbells with full HD cameras in them, we're heading into some
strange times.

Computing
is now going to be distributed, parallel, cloud-based, ambient, and ubiquitous.
The reason for such systems is to improve efficiency, speed, and the simple
fact that local, centralized computing networks – or even cloud-based ones –
simply cannot keep up with having these many devices constantly connected to
them, each vying for precious resources and algorithmic processing. It'll also
be inclusive because everyone should be able to participate.

The
computer in your bag or phone in your pocket will continue to evolve, but now
it's time to make the rest of world "smart" and connected. Instead of
configuring computers to our liking, the computerswill learn about us, suggesting ideas, things to buy,
reminders, and more (much of this is already active if you use Amazon).

…

Microsoft's technologies, in
theory, are what will help self-driving cars, drones, sensors, smart-home
devices, and more. Google, Amazon, and to a much lesser extent, Apple, are all
attempting similar programs.

We
are seeing some of this now. Microsoft's new feature for the April 2018 update
is part of this "intelligent edge". The idea that your PC history
follows you in the cloud from device to device (and beyond PCs) is the start of
this idea of always-connected, ubiquitous computing.

…

Like the pre-Internet days in the
1990s, it was difficult to imagine 4K video conference calls, 1Gbps internet to
your home, or using your phone as an independent navigation tool. But that's
all possible now. The intelligent edge, cloud, AI, IoT, and ambient computing
are all coming slowly but surely to fruition.

Your
technological world is changing right before your eyes, but if you don't pay
attention, you'll miss it.

“The rise of 5G coincides with the explosion of connected
devices and systems associated with the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart heating
systems, wearables and [TV or video streaming in moving] vehicles all bring
with them large amounts of data. In addition to more processing power, 5G
promises speeds (at least) 10 times faster than those of 4G...”

“Processing these high volumes of data, at a faster speed,
will require new antennas, new devices, and new applications for wireless data.
No matter what the setup looks like, the influx of additional data - which will
need to be processed in real-time - will drive the need for edge computing.”

Real-time processing also needs to be done at a location
close to where the data will come from and be used.

The Key Definitions Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) That
Explain Its Importance

“The theory and development of computer systems able to
perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception,
speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.”

with emphasis on task-centered AI (reinforcement machine learning):

"Generally, people invest in AI development for one of
these three objectives:

2. Just get systems to work without figuring out how
human reasoning works (“weak AI”) (or Deep Learning AI)

3. Use human reasoning as a model but not necessarily
the end goal (Typically, applications like in the home or on the phone personal
assistants -- e.g., Google Home or Alexa or Cortana and their associated devices.
Also smart TVs, smart cars and other consumer-level IoT applications.)

"Turns out that the bulk of the AI development happening
today by industry leaders falls under the third objective and uses human
reasoning as a guide to provide better services or create better products
rather trying to achieve a perfect replica of the human mind."

"Reinforcement machine learning algorithms is a learning
method that interacts with its environment by producing actions and discovers
errors or rewards. Trial and error search and delayed reward are the most
relevant characteristics of reinforcement learning. This method allows machines
and software agents to automatically determine the ideal behavior within a
specific context in order to maximize its performance. Simple reward feedback
is required for the agent to learn which action is best; this is known as the
reinforcement signal."

Most of the AI we will encounter in our automated homes and
cars will be of the reinforcement machine learning variety. Some will be
preprogrammed, as in supervised machine learning:

"Supervised machine learning algorithms can apply what
has been learned in the past to new data using labeled examples to predict
future events..."

"The battle for the Internet of Things has just
begun," [John] Maddison [of Fortinet] said. "The ultimate winners of
the IoT connected home will come down to those vendors who can provide a
balance of security and privacy vis-à-vis price and functionality."

More IoT security tips:

8 tips to secure those IoT devices

Make sure the Internet of Things isn’t a route for
hackers to get into your home or workplace